ESA flip-flops on SOPA and PIPA

The US games industry trade association the ESA has changed their position on the Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect IP Act.

Following the massive online protests of January the 18th which saw some big sites like Wikipedia and Reddit blacking out completely for 24 hours and many other smaller sites and blogs either following suit or finding other ways to protest both bills are losing traction on Capitol Hill.

An ESA statement explained the change of heart saying: "From the beginning, ESA has been committed to the passage of balanced legislation to address the illegal theft of intellectual property found on foreign rogue sites. Although the need to address this pervasive threat to our industry's creative investment remains, concerns have been expressed about unintended consequences stemming from the current legislative proposals."

The statement goes on to stress the need for effective legislation to tackle piracy adding: "Accordingly, we call upon Congress, the Obama Administration, and stakeholders to refocus their energies on producing a solution that effectively balances both creative and technology interests. As an industry of innovators and creators, we understand the importance of both technological innovation and content protection and are committed to working with all parties to encourage a balanced solution."